Sad deaths of family of three and boy, 12, on remote Northern Territory bush track

Jack PriceThe West Australian

Friday, 9 November 2018 8:23AM

Police address the media after a land and air search finds the body of a 12-year-old boy

The West Australian

VideoSupt Jody Nobbs spoke to the media in the Northern Territory after four bodies were found in the remote NT outback.

Stranded after their car broke down on a remote dusty bush track 300km northwest of Alice Springs, two teenagers, their three-year-old son and a 12-year-old boy only needed someone to drive past and lend a hand.

Tragically, that help never arrived.

With no mobile phone service, they left their car and began walking towards a remote community 18km from where their vehicle was found.

Now, all four are dead.

In what is one of the Territory’s worst Outback tragedies, the quartet left Willowra on Friday destined for the community of Jarra Jarra.

The trip is roughly 114km, or a five-hour drive on the Jarra Jarra Access Rd.

Weather records show temperatures in the area reached 39.9C on Friday, 41.3C on Saturday and 40.3C on Sunday.

On Wednesday, a passer-by came across the bodies of the 19-year-old couple and their son.

Camera IconFour people died after trying to drive from Willowra to the community of Jarra JarraPicture: Supplied

It would turn out they would be discovered 4.5km from their abandoned car, where remnants of food and water were found.

The "distraught" passer-by rushed to the Willowra health clinic to raise the alarm.

On Wednesday night, family members informed police that a 12-year-old boy from the same community had also been travelling with the young family, sparking a desperate aerial and ground search for the missing passenger.

Tragically, less than 24 hours later, NT Police confirmed the boy’s body had been found only 120m from the perished family.

Police are yet to rule out the possibility that the car was carrying yet more unaccounted for passengers.

"Although police have no information that suggests there were other passengers in the car, we will continue a precautionary land and air search until we are satisfied that all areas of interest have been sufficiently canvassed," Southern Desert Division Superintendent Jody Nobbs said.

Camera IconWirliyajarrayi near Willowra in the area where the tragedy occurred in remote Central Australia.Picture: Chris Tangey /Alice Springs Film and Television

Supt Nobbs said the man who initially raised the alarm at Willowra Health Clinic would be a critical part of the police investigation.

He said the tragic incident was a sad reminder to take precautions when travelling on remote Northern Territory roads.

"This does serve, unfortunately, as a timely reminder for anyone travelling on NT roads to ensure that when you travel your vehicle is in a fit state, that you have sufficient supplies including water and a first-aid kit, and that someone is aware of what your travel itinerary is - when you intend to leave, arrive and your anticipated routes," he said.

Camera IconA wild horse seen on the track to Jarra Jarra where the tragedy happened.Picture: Chris Tangey /Alice Springs Film and Television